SBFC Draft Day Bonanza!!!

Thanks to WPS for letting us follow along on Twitter. It was an exciting day for the draft; so many great players out there for the taking. There was even some intrigue with last-minute trades. But down to the nitty-gritty - what everyone's looking for. So here are the first round picks:

1. Amy Rodriguez (Boston)
2. Megan Rapinoe (Chicago)
3. Christina DiMartino (Bay Area)
4. Yael Averbuch (NJ)
5. Brittany Bock (LA)
6. Kerri Hanks (St. Louis)
7. Allie Long (Washington)

As for our team, SBFC, the draft brought in some young and more experienced players at all positions. The rundown:

4. Yael Averbuch (M, UNC) Occasionally there’s a good reason for hiring your relatives, and this is nepotism at its best. A top college holding/attacking midfielder, NJ native, possesses the ability to fly, related to the SBFC PR Manager. She was called up for the U-23 US WNT camp this month. We were hoping SBFC would take her, so now all we need is Tobin Heath in the 2010 draft. Then WPS domination. In related family news, Julie Foudy was not drafted even though she is the coach’s wife. Doesn’t spousehood count for anything? (Yes, we know…)

11. Meghan Schnur (M, New England Mutiny) Long-term member of the Mutiny with a decent goal-scoring record. US U-17, U-19, U-21, and U-23 WNT experienced - collect them all! Fills in some personnel gaps in the midfield that may be overfilled with subsequent foreign signings.

18. Karen Bardsley (GK, Cal State-Fullerton, Ajax America) First goalie taken in this draft. Given the amount of talented players available at the other positions, it's surprising that the WPS teams haven't spent more pick on GKs. Such an vital position! Though Bardsley was overlooked by Twitterers, she is a solid (presumptive) backup to Cori Alexander. Impressive college career, played for Pali Blues (who hasn't) and has served as a coach at Cal State-Fullerton and University of San Diego.

25. Christie Shaner (D, FC Indiana) A defender taken to bolster an already-strong defense, started in each year at Notre Dame, some U-21 experience, long-term starter at FC Indiana. Beginner assistant coaching at La Salle.

32. Julianne Sitch (D/M, FC Indiana) Former DePaul player who has significant US WNT U-## experience and has spent much time playing for US and Swedish clubs. Can play defense or midfield as needed. Didn't make it back to Chicago as she hoped.

39. Jen Buczkowski (M, Notre Dame) Possession-oriented midfielder with some U-16, 17 and 19 experience at defender. We were hoping that she would get selected, since she has become one of the faces of the combines. She bridges the gap between player and fan.

46. Ouying Zhang (M/F, San Diego Sea Lions!) OK, this pick was a curve-ball, but she can bring extensive experience and solid leadership to the field - much like Scurry for Washington and Chastain for Bay Area. Zhang is a former China national team player, who played in several Olympics and World Cups and served as team captain. One of a few veterans of the WUSA (San Diego Spirit) making a return.

53. Mary Therese McDonnell (D, Illinois) Defender with successful end to college years and taken by the Boston Renegades in 2008. If you're that interested, you can check out her college digs profiled on Sports Illustrated Online! Why? We don't know...

60. Mele French (F, Pali Blues) Another Hawaiian comes to SBFC, this time by way of Oregon and Cali Pali. Are there any players left on the Pali Blues? (Don't feel too bad, they just signed NZ Midfielder Ali Riley...)

67. Fanta Cooper (D, Sky Blue W-League) In-house draft, experienced in the SB system and a known versatile player. We don't think she played for the Pali Blues.

Other notes:

Nikki Krzysik (D, Chicago) was drafted 13th. Member of the U-23 US WNT. One of the best up-and-coming defenders out there and a surprise that she didn’t go earlier. Good on you, Red Stars!

In LA Sol news you can actually take joy in, Katie Larkin was drafted as the 19th pick. Great forward and offensive leader from BYU, WNT experienced, a goal machine for the future. Would rather see her on SBFC…

Briana Scurry (GK, Washington) was drafted 35th. Brandi Chastain (D, Bay Area) threw her hat in the ring in the Fall, and she was picked 45th. No need to explain their accomplishments. I imagine they were taken for their potential leadership and coaching abilities!

Congratulations to Christen Karniski (Washington), who we’ve met. Natural left backs are so hard to find, and she’s one of the good ones. Herzlichen Glückwunsch!
Here we go down the home stretch...